"Vendors Fore Education" Golf Tournament Raises Retail Scholarship Funds

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The "Vendors FORE Education" golf tournament, sponsored by Wal-Mart vendors, raised more $4,500 for student scholarships in the Center for Retailing Excellence, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas. The tournament was held at Stonebridge Meadows Golf Course, in Fayetteville, on July 18.

Russ Heithoff, Bayer Consumer Care, and Erik Wolff, H. J. Heinz Company, organized the event. The contribution surpassed last year’s funds raised by more than $2,000.

Claudia Mobley, director of the Center for Retailing Excellence, said, "We are very grateful to these vendors for their continued support of our students. During this time of a sluggish economy and state budget cuts, private support is even more critical to assist our future business leaders in completing their academic objectives. We appreciate Russ and Erik for organizing and contributing their time and effort to this event. The scholarship will go to business students with an interest in retailing. The recipients will be chosen based on need, academic standing and area of interest. The scholarships in turn benefit these companies by helping students who may be potential future employees, but may require financial aid in completing their education. It is definitely a win-win situation."

Thirty teams participated in the four-man scramble. Prizes, donated by many of the vendors, were awarded to the top teams and to the closest to the pin, longest drive and straightest drive.

Mike Ketcham, University of Arkansas golf coach, was a member of the winning Bausch and Lomb team.